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The Milton, Ont. running icon set multiple age group world records on the track as well as on the roads.

Canadian Running is saddened to announce that Ed Whitlock has passed away at 86.

Whitlock was one of the world’s all-time great runners as he set dozens of masters world records during his lengthy and illustrious running career.

Whitlock has two sons, Neil and Clive. He is survived by his wife Brenda and his sister Catherine. Whitlock passed away at 4 a.m. EDT early Monday morning at Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto. He died from prostate cancer. He had turned 86 on March 6.

The Canadian running legend is notably the first, and only, person older than 70 to have broken 3:00 in the marathon. He ran 2:54:48 when he was 73.

He raced in November 2016 setting a 15K world record for men 85-89 at the Stockade-athon 15K Road Race. Prior to that, he bettered the men’s 85-89 world record in the marathon by more than 30 minutes running 3:56 at the 2016 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon last October. His final race came on Dec. 10 at London’s Richmond Park running a 7.67-mile event with his famed club, the Ranelagh Harriers.

“The most modest, droll, amiable and intelligent of all miraculous legends,” famed running historian and author Roger Robinson said describing Whitlock after the 15K in Schenectady, N.Y.

It’s believed that Whitlock had not done much running in 2017 as he was nursing a shoulder injury.

Whitlock was born in London in 1931. He grew up in England and immigrated to Canada following college graduation. He resided in Milton, Ont. and famously put in his training at the Evergreen Cemetery, located steps from his home.

Whitlock on the 2016 Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon course, on his way to crushing the 85+ world record. Photo: Canada Running Series.

Alan Brookes, founder of Canada Running Series and race director of the Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon, called Whitlock’s passing “an enormous loss to Canada and the global running community.”

“Somehow we thought Ed would just go on setting records forever,” Brookes said on Monday in a press release. “We grew up with Ed. He won many of his 20-plus-year-old shoes at our Series’ races in the ’90s and, in many ways, he defined our Scotiabank Toronto Waterfront Marathon. He will always be a vital part of the identity and spirit of that race.”

The Greatest: A visit to Ed Whitlock’s training grounds

Whitlock’s world records inspired millions of runners of all ages, and attracted attention to running from all around the world. His most recent marathon world record was one of the most talked about performances of 2016, which is especially impressive given that it was an Olympic year.

Photo: Adam Wojtkowiak.

Age-graded, many of Whitlock’s marathon performances would have ranked among the greatest performances of all time. His 3:56:33 men’s 85-89 record last fall in Toronto is the equivalent of 2:08:57, which would have placed him second overall against some of the fastest runners in the world. His 70-and-over world record converts to a 2:00:18. The world record currently stands at 2:02:57.

Whitlock was famously modest and understated about his accolades. When asked about being celebrated around the world, Whitlock said “I don’t believe I should be a hero.” When asked what advice he had for other runners, he mused “I’m not sure what I’m doing is good for me, let alone anyone else.”

Editor’s note: A previous version of this story stated that Whitlock ran his final race in New York. However, it’s believed that his last race came in England at the Mob Match Ranelagh vs. South London Harriers event on Dec. 10. He ran 1:10:37 for 7.67 miles (12.34K) at London’s Richmond Park.

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51 Comments

From one long time runner to another, it’s been a pleasure to see accolades come not just for speed, but longevity. Ed had it in spades, and his presence in southern Ontario road race results goes back too far to find when he *didn’t participate.

Deepest condolences to Ed’s family. A great loss for the Canadian running community. I’ve loved reading the stories about Ed and am truly inspired by his humble approach and wonderful attitude. He has earned his wings 🙂

I’m in shock! I, like many, thought he would run forever. I have marveled at his accomplishments for years and also had the privilege of being in many of the same races. RIP Mr. Whitlock…a life well run.

Me too Reita. Like so many of us ‘shocked’ at the news. I will remember Ed every step of the way in London this year. A true gentlemean – I ran with him in the Mob Match, Richmond Park just before Christmas – then spent an unforgetable evening listening to his life story – great fun.
Mike Peace – London Marathon EP and Past President of Ranelagh Harriers

An incredible athlete; just to complete a marathon in your 70’s or 80’s is amazing enough- but some of his times are truly mind boggling. At the age of 76, Ed set a world age record at Rotterdam in 3:04 on a day so hot that they actually stopped the Marathon! A great ambassador for running and sport in general.

I had the pleasure of meeting and chatting with Ed at the Cabot Trail Relay Run a few years ago and I was truly amazed and inspired by him. What a great role model he has been and always will be! My condolences to his family and friends.

RIP buddy… It was an honour and pleasure running with you on many occasions but the one I remember in particular was running the Scotia Bank Marathon and being on pace for a 3:20 marathon when I see Ed sailing by me wishing me a strong run… I was in my 30’s and Ed was in his 70’s… What an amazing human being… You will be greatly missed but your spirit will be long remembered running through the Milton and your favorited routes…my condolences to the Whitlock family! Steve

RIP Ed, I ran my first marathon at the Toronto Waterfront in 2013. In the last 500 meters, I was running with great pain triing to reach the finish line then I saw that gentlemen Ed. He inspired me till the end, pain was gone! Thank you Ed.

I was in my early to late 30’s and would run into him quite often, and he kicked my ass a number of times. And like they say here, very modest, gracious, a true sportman. Very sad to hear about this. I’m not 60 yet, but hope I can get off my lazy ass and emulate him, just a wee bit! :(……..

The running world will dearly miss you, Ed! I hold fond memories of racing with you at an indoor meet at the old Montreal Forum and our runs on Mont Royal. I’ll miss you at this year’s run in Williamstown, Ontario.

It was with a great sense of loss that I read of Ed’s passing. As a past President of Ed’s UK running club, Ranelagh Harriers, i was fortunate to be able to present him with an award for his fantastic achievements over the years during one of his trips back to Richmond. Ed was an amazing athlete and its very sad that he is no longer with us. All in the UK extend our condolences to all that knew him and send our regards to his adopted homeland of Canada.

Rest in peace Ed. I never had the pleasure to meet you but you were among great conversations of inspiration by the running group I am part of. Watching videos, hearing stories from friends who have met you and seeing picture really warms my heart in aww of you. The running world is truly saddened by your loss. Thoughts and prayer to your family….may you find comfort in the love and support of many.

Ed and I ran for a couple of seasons in the same track club back in the 80’s in Montreal..The West Island Striders…I was half his age..I remember him ever so slowly passing me in a 20k around the 15k mark..I remember saying to myself that I hope I can run like that when I hit 55! RIP Ed..youve inspired many …..including myself to keep on running to the end!